Rallies around nation support Trump
Few arrests made at some events
There were fistfights and four arrests on the streets of Berkeley, Calif., Saturday after clashing protesters scuffled repeatedly during a march in support of President Donald Trump.
The Berkeley march was part of a nationwide effort as thousands of Trump supporters convened near New York’s Trump Tower, at the Washington Monument and in dozens of other cities around the country in what organizers billed as “March 4 Trump” demonstrations on behalf of the new president.
The rallies also intended to show unity in the face of what organizers call “a seditious fringe” aiming to sabotage Trump’s vision for the country.
According to the organizer’s website, rallies were scheduled in some 50 cities, including Nashville, Tenn.; Phoenix; Boston; Denver; Miami and St. Paul, Minn. In several cities, the rallies were met by counterdemonstrations and some arrests.
In Berkeley, videos of clashing protesters and counter-protesters emerged on Twitter.
Matthai Chakko, a spokesperson for the city of Berkeley, confirmed the four arrests. Chakko did not give the charges against those arrested or their identities.
In New York, a couple hundred supporters gathered near the president’s Manhattan home, chanting “U-S-A.” One held a sign reading: “I am not a Democrat anymore.” Another read: “Yes he is our president.”
In Columbus, Ohio, a Statehouse rally turned into a clash of words when Trump protesters shouted, “No Trump, No KKK, No Fascist USA” over the supporters’ “US-A” chants.
In Florida, near Mar-aLago, Trump’s motorcade, heading back from a golf outing, briefly stopped so he could wave at supporters, the Palm Beach Post reported.
In Nashville, more than 1,000 people turned out for a Spirit of America rally to support the president at Legislative Plaza where two arrests were reported.
“We are all Americans, we need to come together,” said Richard Saunders of Robertson County, a Trump supporter holding a sign that read, “Stop calling me a racist: You don’t even know me.”
“Anyone who disagrees with you, they throw this word around. Accusing someone of being a racist does not make them a racist.”
One anti-Trump protester was arrested for disorderly conduct for allegedly “attempting to incite a riot,” according to Lt. Bill Miller of the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
The other arrest was for theft as an individual reportedly tried to steal two Trump shirts, Miller said.
Lesa Antone, 48, was one of the rally organizers. She wore a red Tshirt reading, “I voted for Trump. You’re welcome.” She said the goal of the event was to encourage the nation to unite behind the president.
“I think people don’t understand when they say they want Trump to fail, it means America will fail,” she said, according to The Arizona Republic.
In St. Paul, hundreds of supporters and counter-demonstrators turned out at the Minnesota State Capitol. Chanting reverberated through the Capitol rotunda during the dueling protests. There were some minor scuffles, but they were quickly diffused by other protesters and police. A Minnesota State Patrol captain told KARE 11 that five people were arrested.